Addressed to Mrs . D — — N , on the Deah of a dear, deserving Son .

When Maro mourn'd Marcellus dead —
Th' afflicted matron hung her head
And dropp'd the silent tear:
When he his early prowess sung,
Entraptur'd on the strains she hung!
Such strains as gods might hear!

Immortal in the matchless song,
She heard him rank'd the gods among,
Nor longer wept his doom:
Transported — saw his deathless name
Enroll'd amongst the lifts of fame;
Victorious o'er the tomb.

Fame cou'd the Roman's grief controul;
For nobler principle her soul —
Had never understood:
In reason's darkling maze she stray'd,
What reason taught, her mind essay'd;
But knew no greater good.

No darkling maze have we to tread —
Thro' fabled regions of the dead
To wind a devious way:
Religion points the certain road,
She lights the longing soul to God,
With truth's unerring ray.

Shall we, — with Revelation blest,
While faith shows all the God, — confest
To each enquiring eye, —
Shall we lament, as void of hope?
Who view unveil'd the boundless scope
Of blest Eternity?

Cease Sacharissa, — cease to mourn;
Nor pious tears o'er Florio's urn —
Still, unavailing, shed:
Angelic — in the purer skies
Behold his brighten'd form arise!
Nor rank him with the dead.

Superior to the farce of life —
Illusive joy — destructive strife,
He nobly met his doom,
And bless'd the hand that dealt the blow;
As hov'ring o'er the vale of woe —
He mark'd the deep'ning gloom; —

" What art thou life? (the spirit said) —
" A motly scene — of light, and shade,
" An unsubstantial toy:
" Nor more my pure pervasive sight,
" Can view the vision with delight,
" Can call the phantom — joy.

" For lo! afore my ravish'd eyes —
" What bright celestial glories rise,
" To tempt my ardent gaze!
" Oh! for the skill to pour along
" Th' ecstatic energies of song!
" The Great Creator's praise! "

Thus the freed soul essay'd to join
The heav'nly choir, — the hymn divine —
By raptured spirits sung:
Applauding Angels caught the sound —
As, echoing thro' the vast profound,
The mighty chorus rung.